A Toast to The Arts

Rick San Nicolas - Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. 
Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeling a deep connection to the environment and its historical significance. He finds inspiration in the ancient Hawaiian featherwork tradition, particularly in the regalia worn by Hawaiian Royalty and warriors.
This year Rick travels to Washington D.C. to present his featherwork for inclusion in the collection of the Museum of the Department of Interior as well as having it on display in the office of Secretary Deborah Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He is also a consulting advisor in historical featherwork on the upcoming TV Series "Chief of War," starring Jason Momoa. More at: https://www.hawaiianfeathers.com/  
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

Guitarist Michael Kessler - “Gravel Road” Album

Guitarist Michael Kessler joins Big Blend Radio for a fun conversation about his music and new album "Gravel Road," the Wisconsin music scene, plus, being a Horologist (a person that makes or repairs watches or clocks).
Kessler worked with Milwaukee producer/musician/engineer Gary Tanin at Daystorm Music to take on the full-length album "Gravel Road." Primarily a solo affair with guest musicians, Kessler recruited Georgia Rae to add fiddle while Tanin enlisted Chicken Wire Empire’s Ernest Brusubardis IV (fiddle) and Joe Vent on Bass.
On "Gravel Road," Kessler draws influence from Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Funk, and Blues resulting in an acoustic melting pot.  The album is out now in all digital outlets.

Poet Lauren Martin - Night of the Hawk

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Earth Month and National Poetry Month with Lauren Martin who discusses her book, "Night of the Hawk: Poems" which will be out on May 14, 2024 through She Writes Press. 
A powerful and wise poetry collection on shamanism, feminism, and disability, "Night of the Hawk" tells untold stories of the marginalized. Inspired by the Lauren's own experiences as an aging woman living with chronic illness, the poems in this collection will inspire readers to seek compassion and kindness in an often inhospitable world. 
LAUREN MARTIN is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá, and to the writing of this collection of poems. More at: https://www.laurenmartin.net/ 

Joey Stuckey - Guitars, Jazz and Poetry

This episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Celebrates April being International Guitar Month, Jazz Apprecation Month, and National Poetry Month.
Special guest is Joey Stuckey, Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia "The Southern Rock Capital of the World. Joey, who co-hosts the Big Daily Blend podcast every 4th Sunday, is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, and sound engineer. More: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
BIG BLEND RADIO EXTRAS: * International Guitar & Jazz Music Playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2wd3886f * Poet Seaborn Jones on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2cre7den 

Author Aaron Arsenault - The Climate Diaries

After working in the climate-tech industry for the past fifteen years, debut author Aaron Arsenault is excited to inspire readers ages 9-12 to combat climate change. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, he discusses his climate fiction novel, “The Climate Diaries, Book One: The Academy” (Borrowed Planet Press, April 2024).
"The Climate Diaries: Book One," takes readers on an eco-adventure with troublemaker Jax Wilkinson, who is recruited by a top secret organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of climate-fighters. Learn more at https://www.aaronarsenault.com/ 

The Life of Artist, Author, and Traveler George Catlin

In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio with artist Victoria Chick is all about the art, life and legacy of George Catlin. George Catlin was an American painter, author, and traveler, who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the American frontier. Many of the places he traveled through are parts of our National Park Service today. He explored the American West five times during the 1830s, and wrote about and painted portraits that depicted the life of the Plains Indians. Read Victoria's article about him here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/american-artist-author-traveler-george-catlin VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/ Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guitarist and Composer Jon Durant - Momentarily Album

Celebrated composer and guitarist Jon Durant joins us on this episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS podcast where he discusses his new album "Momentarily." It's an amalgamation of transcultural, jazz-related styles, that gives way to euphoric, universally relatable grooves and soundscapes. A trio recording featuring Durant alongside longtime musical partners Colin Edwin (bass) and Andi Pupato (drums/percussion), both legends in their own right, this musical jewel showcases rare mastery through individually compelling tracks and comprehensive arc.More at https://jondurant.bandcamp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris P. James - The Burrito Brothers

Ever since two Byrds left the “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” mothership over 50 years ago, The Burrito Brothers have been evolving and putting out wonderful albums. This episode of Big Blend Radio features Chris P. James, lead vocalist and keyboardist, who talks about the legendary history of The Burrito Brothers (aka The Flying Burrito Brothers), and their latest album, "Together." The musicians in today’s Burrito Brothers group, who have been together since 2009, include Chris P. James (keys/lead vocals), Tony Paoletta (pedal steel), Peter Young (drums) and Steve Allen (guitar). They have performed and recorded numerous notable previous works of their own and with countless other artists. More at https://www.theburritobrothers.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.